James Lee “Jim” Stouder, 69, of Warsaw, passed away at 9:39 p.m. June 5, 2012, in his residence, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 13, 1942, in Nappanee, to Earl W. and V. Evelyn Weybright Stouder. On July 4, 1982, at Harrison Center Church, Mentone, he married Linda Dorsey, who survives.
Moving to Kosciusko County from Nappanee in 1962, he was a self-employed contractor with Stouder Enterprises for 32 years, retiring in 2004. He was a dealer for All American Homes (Willow Creek Homes), de-beaked chickens and worked at NIPSCO. In 1960 he was the bonus baby of the minor leagues and was signed by the Phillies and played with them for a short while.
He graduated from Nappanee High School in 1960 and was a member of Dutchtown Brethren Church. He was very proud of his lawn and landscaping at home - nobody was allowed to walk on the grass especially if it was wet. He was an avid softball player for 30 years, playing in leagues from Warsaw, Columbia City, Nappanee, Bippus, Fort Wayne, Elkhart and Goshen. He also played in the senior leagues (more than 50) in Sebring, Fla., during the winter months. He taught his girls by experience – such as getting told to get in the driver’s seat and then say to get going because there’s a dump truck coming up from behind or teach the girls to swim by throwing them into the lake and simply tell them to swim. He taught them different sports. His girls learned while working side by side with their dad whether picking up rocks, surveying or riding the back hoe – everything but “girl stuff.” Every day was an adventure living with him.
Also surviving are three daughters: Kimberly D. (and spouse Jeff) Church, Columbia City; Stephani L. (and spouse Jess) Ford, Heflin, Ala.; and Nicole L. Stouder, Warsaw; his mother, V. Evelyn Stouder, Nappanee; three brothers: Jerry Stouder, Warsaw; Brian K. (and spouse Valentina) Stouder, Columbus, Ohio; and Dennis (and spouse Gloria) Stouder, Nappanee; a sister, Patti (and spouse Steve) Fredericks, Goshen; seven grandchildren: Eric and Laurin Lane; Kristin (and spouse Jason) Tindall; Kaitlin Clibon; Jeffrey and Megan Church; and Alissa Ford; and two great-grandchildren, Jaiden and Kiya. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda S. Stouder, who died March 7, 1982; and his father, Earl Stouder, who died March 5, 1998.
Services will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw. A private graveside service will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196; or K-21 Health Foundation - Cancer Care Fund, P.O. Box 1810, Warsaw, IN 46581-1810.
Condolences may be sent via www.titusfuneralhome.com
